Engineering Finding current/impedance in circuit

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating current and impedance in a circuit using the Law of Superposition and Ohm's Law. The initial calculations for the circuit were incorrect, particularly in parts three and four, where the impedance and current values were miscalculated due to improper handling of short circuits. Participants emphasized the importance of considering the contributions from both voltage sources when applying superposition. Clarifications were provided regarding the voltage across resistors when one source is short-circuited, leading to a better understanding of the circuit dynamics. Ultimately, the need to combine currents from both sources for accurate results was highlighted.
johndough999
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Homework Statement


upload_2015-5-5_16-9-49.png


Homework Equations


Law of Superposition
I=V/R

The Attempt at a Solution


I am reducing the circuit.
i) By law of Superposition, short circuit V2
100 ohms on the leftmost branch and 50 ohms on the rightmost branch, both are in parallel so
100*80/(100+80)=44.4 ohms seen by V1(t)

ii)
I=V/R
I=2/44.4
I=0.045 Aiii) short circuit V1
reduce the circuit,
60+40+80=180 ohms as all the resistors are in series.

iv)
I=V/R
I=10/180
I=1/18 A

v)Using law of super position
By shorting V2 I obtain I=0.02A
By shorting V1 I obtain I= 1/18A
I = 0.02+1/18 = 0.076A

Please correct me where I am going wrong. Your help is appreciated. Thanks!
 

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Say there is 0V at the bottom. Then there must be V1 at the top: I60+40Ω = V1 / R60+40Ω.

The voltage over 80Ω = V1-V2. Calculate I80Ω.

Now you can calculate the current in the leftmost branch by KCL.
 
Last edited:
(iii) is wrong: Zseen = 80Ω + ((60Ω+40Ω) || ZV1). Thus (iv) is also wrong.
 
For part iii) do I not have to short circuit V1? hence would i not be left with a series circuit?
 
johndough999 said:
For part iii) do I not have to short circuit V1?

Yes, you may short circuit V1, but this is not necessary because it is already "short circuited" as to impedance. It is 0Ω as well as for V2.

Contrary the impedance in a current source is infinite.
 
Zseen = 80Ω + ((60Ω+40Ω) || ZV1)

From the formula you mentioned does that mean 80Ω is in parallel with 60 and 40 Ω?
 
johndough999 said:
Zseen = 80Ω + ((60Ω+40Ω) || ZV1)

By " || " , parallel is meant.

ZV1 = 0, so Zseen = 80Ω + (100Ω || 0Ω) = 80Ω
 
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johndough999 said:

Homework Statement


View attachment 83092

Homework Equations


Law of Superposition
I=V/R

The Attempt at a Solution


I am reducing the circuit.
i) By law of Superposition, short circuit V2
100 ohms on the leftmost branch and 50 ohms on the rightmost branch, both are in parallel so
100*80/(100+80)=44.4 ohms seen by V1(t)

ii)
I=V/R
I=2/44.4
I=0.045 Aiii) short circuit V1
reduce the circuit,
60+40+80=180 ohms as all the resistors are in series.

iv)
I=V/R
I=10/180
I=1/18 A

v)Using law of super position
By shorting V2 I obtain I=0.02A
By shorting V1 I obtain I= 1/18A
I = 0.02+1/18 = 0.076A

Please correct me where I am going wrong. Your help is appreciated. Thanks!
in parts 3 and 4, what is the voltage across the 60 and 40 ohm resistors?
recall ohms law, what does that tell you about the current through the resistors.
 
donpacino said:
in parts 3 and 4, what is the voltage across the 60 and 40 ohm resistors?
recall ohms law, what does that tell you about the current through the resistors.

donpacino could you elaborate a little more. Would the voltage across the 60 and 40 ohm be the total voltage - voltage across 80 ohm?.
 
  • #10
johndough999 said:
donpacino could you elaborate a little more. Would the voltage across the 60 and 40 ohm be the total voltage - voltage across 80 ohm?.
in parts 3 and 4 you said you were setting V1 to zero... If you set V1 to zero, what is the voltage across the 60 and 40 ohm resistors
 
  • #11
donpacino said:
in parts 3 and 4 you said you were setting V1 to zero... If you set V1 to zero, what is the voltage across the 60 and 40 ohm resistors

the voltage across 40 and 60 ohm would be the supply voltage V2 - voltage across 80 ohm resistor
 
  • #12
johndough999 said:
the voltage across 40 and 60 ohm would be the supply voltage V2 - voltage across 80 ohm resistor
nope. V1 is short circuited, which means the voltage across it is zero
 
  • #13
johndough999 said:
the voltage across 40 and 60 ohm would be the supply voltage V2 - voltage across 80 ohm resistor
well, technically that is correct, what is the voltage across the 80 ohm resistor?
 
  • #14
So if V1 is short circuited and the voltage across it zero, voltage across 60 and 40 ohms is zero therefore voltage across 80 ohm resistor is equal to V2?
 
  • #15
johndough999 said:
So if V1 is short circuited and the voltage across it zero, voltage across 60 and 40 ohms is zero therefore voltage across 80 ohm resistor is equal to V2?
yes. so knowing that, look at your answer to parts 3 and 4 again
 
  • #16
iii) 80 0hms

iv) I=V/R
I=10/80
I=1/8 A

v) 0.02A? since current in the centre branch when V1 is short circuited is 0A.
 
  • #17
johndough999 said:
iii) 80 0hms

iv) I=V/R
I=10/80
I=1/8 A

v) 0.02A? since current in the centre branch when V1 is short circuited is 0A.

for part V yes.

I also just re-read your origonal questions and realized I missed something for parts 2 and 4. You know the current through the source V1 due to V1, however the will be current flowing through the source V1 that is due to the source V2. the same is true for part 4.
 
  • #18
donpacino said:
for part V yes.

I also just re-read your origonal questions and realized I missed something for parts 2 and 4. You know the current through the source V1 due to V1, however the will be current flowing through the source V1 that is due to the source V2. the same is true for part 4.

Does that mean the answers are incorrect?
 
  • #19
johndough999 said:
Does that mean the answers are incorrect?
Yes, you have half of the answer for parts two and four. You then need to use superposition to find the correct answer (hint, you already did most of the work)
 
  • #20
donpacino said:
Yes, you have half of the answer for parts two and four. You then need to use superposition to find the correct answer (hint, you already did most of the work)

Why can i not just simply use ohms law to find the current for part 2 and 4?
 
  • #21
johndough999 said:
Why can i not just simply use ohms law to find the current for part 2 and 4?
You have to include the current from both sources
 
  • #22
donpacino said:
You have to include the current from both sources

The same way as for the last part, where I find the current in the center branch?
 
  • #23
johndough999 said:
The same way as for the last part, where I find the current in the center branch?
Its the current due to V1 + the current due to V2. You had it correct
 
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  • #24
donpacino said:
Its the current due to V1 + the current due to V2. You had it correct
Thanks for the help!
 
  • #25
no problem
 

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